YUGOSLAVIA: KOSOVO: WILLIAM COHEN VISITS US NATO TROOPS
(19 Jun 1999) English/Nat The United States Defence Secretary, William Cohen, has visited American NATO troops in Kosovo on Saturday. He was accompanied by NATO Supreme Commander, General Wesley Clark. It was their first visit to the region since the NATO bombing campaign against Serbia started more than two months ago. Cohen and Clarke arrived in Skopje's airport, Macedonia, and then set off for the town of Gnjilane inside Kosovo. Cohen told the troops he looks forward to integrating the Russians into the Kosovo force. An agreement on the Russian role was reached on Friday. SOUNDBITE: (English) "So it's going to be important that we have a vigorous robust KFOR presence that is prepared to make sure that the agreement that's been signed is fully implemented so that's where you come into play." SUPER CAPTION: William Cohen, United States Defence Secretary SOUNDBITE: (English) "We're happy you're here. They want your help. They want the security and confidence that the United States Marine Corps brings to them. That the United States Armed Forces brings. They know you're going to be fair, you're going to be straight, you're going to be hard. But they know that you care.And already we're seeing the results of this and we're just proud of each and every one of your for what you're doing. SUPER CAPTION: William Cohen, United States Defence Secretary SOUNDBITE: (English) "One of the reasons we were able to negotiate successfully with the Russians last evening is that we wanted them as part of this peacekeeping force. They helped to make a peace agreement. We want to make sure they are also there to help enforce it. And so they will be sharing a responsibility to help to keep the peace. And so that should be sending a message of assurance to those who are fearful that there'll be retribution. We don't want to see retribution. We want to see a safe return of the refugees and allow a self-government so that everyone can live in peace and security." SUPER CAPTION: William Cohen, United States Defence Secretary Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
